Google launches a Japanese IME converter.

Google has launched a Japanese typing converter (IME) for the language bar. Once installed it sits right along side the built in converter from Microsoft, giving you the choice to revert back if you want to. One thing I wish it did, that The Microsoft IME doesn't do either, is let me select Hiragana as my default input for every application. Why it defaults to "direct input" all the time, I do not know. If someone could tell me how to choose an input method, other than "direct input" as my default, please help. Get it HERE.

Google 日本語入力は、変換の煩わしさを感じさせない思いどおりの日本語入力を提供します。

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Learning with J-Drama's

After a short break from J-Dramas and studying Japanese, I am back in the habit again. As always Japanese TV, for me at least, is a great way to retain vocabulary and keep up do date on slang.

Started Fugoh Keiji last week, and have some others waiting to watch. Fugoh Keiji is a funny concept. A super wealthy grandfather tries to make right is sordid past by allowing his police detective granddaughter to try and spend all his money solving cases.

Japanese for beginners.

This one made me stop and think. 

Joking aside though, smart.fm is a great tool if you want to learn Japanese.

Almost-Otaku Goes Bilingual!

I am excited to introduce Miki! Thanks to Miki for being my first native Japanese speaking blog guest.

It seems Japan is a very popular subject these days.  You cannot watch American TV without Japan or Tokyo being referenced. What do Americans/Westerners find so interesting about Japan? Anime and manga, would most likely come to the mind of most. What about average everyday life? I think that is what intrigues me the most, what another culture so differnt from our own finds interesting to themselves.

I have asked Miki to not only post about interesting happenings in Japan, but to post about her everyday life.  I hope you will find it as interesting as I do.

Japanese Translation Button

Thought I would try this. I put it on the sidebar. I know things don't translate very well with these services, but it is better than nothing I guess, I hope.  Give me feedback on how well it works!

Edit: Yes, it is google translate.

The new Smart.fm homepage

It is up again. Hopefuly to stay, so I can work on my Japanese. The new site offers a cleaner more organized design.  I'm curious what everyone else thinks about the change. Everytime I use this tool I can't believe I'm not paying for it.  My profile is here.